Double probe into Scots cops carrying handguns on routine patrols

TWO investigations are to be carried out into Police Scotland’s controversial decision to order officers to carry handguns on routine patrols.

Sir Stephen House's firearm policy led to concerns about police armed with weapons on routine patrol[NORTHPIX]

Both Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) will conduct inquiries into the practice.

Police Scotland chief Sir Stephen House has issued a standing firearms authority for 275 officers across the country, which means they must wear their sidearms whenever they are on duty. Previously, officers kept the guns inside locked boxes in their vehicles.

The policy has led to concerns about police routinely patrolling the streets with the weapons.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has previously rejected calls for a review, claiming that the public “understands and accepts” the practice.

But yesterday it was announced HMICS will carry out a review and the SPA a “scrutiny inquiry” into the decision.

HMICS will consider how armed response officers operating under the standing authority are deployed on regular patrols and tasks.

The SPA inquiry will consider the public impact of the decision.

The Chief Constable has failed to provide a case to the SPA supporting his decisions as proportionate

Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson

Derek Penman, HM Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, said: “This review provides a chance for HMICS to make an objective professional assessment on whether the operational decision-making by Police Scotland on the standing authority for firearms has followed the relevant guidance, and that any conclusion is supported by the prevailing threat, risk, and available intelligence.

“This assurance role was requested by Police Scotland, but this will be an independent review with the remit and scope we have assessed is necessary to add value and strengthen public confidence in policing.

“Engagement with the SPA has informed the scope of our work, and I am confident that our review will support the SPA in its wider scrutiny of armed policing.”

Iain Whyte, chair of the SPA scrutiny inquiry, said: “SPA has acknowledged the issue of armed policing is contentious and we would keep this under review.”

The inquiries were last night welcomed by Green MSP Patrick Harvie, who said: “The Justice Secretary has brushed this issue off as an operational matter. I believe there is a strong case for ministers being held to account on a dramatic change in culture.”

Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson said: “The Chief Constable has failed to provide a case to the SPA supporting his decisions as proportionate.”

Mr MacAskill said yesterday: “I welcome this announcement. It follows a commitment from Police Scotland for independent assessment of the decision process.”

Police Scotland says the practice is necessary so “all communities have equal access to this specialist police capability”.